COACHES

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a professional musician for well over 20 years, Jan Smith is a progressive musical talent who bears the influence of rock, blues, and southern gospel, in her unique 'thumb printable' voice that appeals to a vast array of listeners. Her material has received both local and national awards in songwriting and performance, as well as air play on regional and national radio.

Appearing as a musician, singer and arranger on professional commercial projects, Smith has produced album/CD packages for herself and other artists. Most recently, her skills as a vocal consultant have led her into recording studios to participate as a vocal producer and vocal coach on master recording sessions. Not only has she used her musical talents to enhance her own career, but she has helped many national artists in their endeavors as well. Jan Smith is one of the few vocal producers/coaches ever credited on multi-platinum selling recordings. (See client roster for listing).

Mama Jan &
Rob Thomas
Lead Vocalist Matchbox 20, Solo Artist, Grammy Winner

In 1990, Smith pioneered the southern rock group, Jan Smith & the Eclectic Cowboys. During their first three months together, the band placed third in the Marlboro Talent Round-Up national finals, and Smith was named Georgia's Best Performer. Within a year, Smith and 'the Cowboys' released their first eight-song ep entitled Range Rockin'. The band was featured at the New South Music Showcase in Atlanta and opened for nationally known rock legend KANSAS at the Center Stage Theatre on New Year's Eve.

In 1994, Smith and then partner, Lee Davis, recorded her solo CD entitled Rain and released it in the summer of 1995 on their own label, Rogue Records. The album went into national distribution via INDI/Big State and was featured in several national reviews and publications, as well as received major market air-play. Smith and Davis continued to play as an acoustic duo, traveling and performing in most of the singer/songwriter venues around the Southeast and opening for national acts such as Kathy Mattea, The Cowboy Junkies, and The Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS). Smith is credited as a background vocalist on many of ARS' recordings.

Mama Jan and Usher

In 1996 Smith and Davis joined forces with multi-platinum producer/engineer Rodney Mills (Allman Bros., Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special) in their first studio effort with 'The Jan Band.' Nonstop Thrill was released the following year and placed on independent charts as well as in Gavin's 'picks' for best new single (But I Did). In addition to it's sweltering original tunes by Smith and the band, the CD also features a duet with good friend and blues diva, Francine Reed. Smith is also credited with guest vocals on Francine Reed recordings.

In the Fall of 2002, Jan Smith teamed up with noted Atlanta producer and programmer, Huston Singletary. After having established themselves in their respective fields, these two creative forces merged their talents to form the production team of Smith & Huston, which now operates out of their private production facility which is adjunct to Jan Smith Studios, Inc. Discovering and developing talent, recording and producing new artists, Smith continues to expand her broad base of influence in today's music industry simply by being creative and helping others.

Jan continues to play concert venues, private engagements, and festivals throughout the Southeast to the delight of loyal followers and new fans from all walks of life. Her most recent full-length cd entitled Surrender, was released in October of 2002.

A lifetime of experience, along with her exceptional musical talents, has made Smith a serious professional with a proven track record of success as a vocalist, producer, songwriter and arranger.

Specializations:

Vocal Endurance and Maintenance
In-Studio Vocal Production
Vocal Technique and Stylizing
Correction for Vocal Damage
Instruction/Coaching for the Novice to Professional
Rock & Roll, Alternative, Metal, R&B, Gospel, Country, Pop and Hip Hop Genres

Mama Jan with
American Idol Diana DeGarmo and
SoSoDef recording artist Jarvis in ATL

Major Label Credits:
Warner International
Arista
Virgin
Geffen
Lava/Atlantic
Sugar Fuzz Productions/Atlantic
RCA
Warner Bros.
Forefront
Capricorn
Universal
Portrait/Columbia
London/Slash
Sony
Motown
LaFace
Island/Def Jam
TVT
Epic